Trip, Susquehanna River, Class 1 Rapids and Moving Water, Overnight Camping

This section of the Middle Susquehanna River, just north of Harrisburg, offers tranquil paddling on the wide Susquehanna. It is expected to be gentle moving water, with only a small number of well-spaced riffles and Class 1 rapids over the 2-day trip. The prominent feature of this trip (besides the width of the river) are the numerous rocky river islands that we will glide past, with opportunities to view birds and wildlife. We will also pass through several water gaps (similar to the well-known Delaware Water Gap). The historic and still-operational Millersburg Ferry is located next to the campsite we will be staying at. It is the only wooden stern paddle wheel ferry in the country. The campground is accessible by car and boat. This is a 26-mile trip (14 miles Day 1; 12 miles Day 2), with an anticipated trip time of 4-5 hours each day. We will eat lunch along the way. The Susquehanna is approximately 2 hours from the Philadelphia Canoe Club.

This trip involves one night of camping between paddle days 1 and 2. But there is also the option to arrive at the campground the day before (Friday) for an additional night of camping (and not have to get up early for the drive on Saturday morning).

Please note that this trip will be subject to cancellation if weather and river conditions are forecast to be bad. Rain during our camping time is a key one.

Meet at Port Trevorton Boat Launch (next to the Port Trevorton Fire Company Grounds), 4247 S Susquehanna Trail, Port Trevorton, PA 17864. Coordinates: 40.705449, -76.866142. We will drop off the boats and leave several participants there to look over them while we shuttle our cars to Ferryboat Campsites.

Day 1 Take Out/Campground: Ferryboat Campsites, 32 Ferry Ln, Liverpool, PA 17045. Coordinates: 40.543181, -76.982256. At the end of 1^st day’s paddle, we will use the vehicles that we left at Ferryboat Campsites to take drivers back to Port Trevorton Boat Launch to get their vehicles and get everybody back to Ferryboat Campsites.

Day 2:  We will run the shuttle after breakfast and packing up. Takeout is at the end of Ann Street in Duncannon, PA. Coordinates: 40.390941, -77.029304. At the end of day 2 we will use the vehicles that we left at Duncannon to take drivers back to Ferryboat Campsites to get their vehicles.

Camping Cost is $30 per tent per night (plus a $3 registration fee).

Typical camping equipment to bring:

• Tent
• sleeping bag
• cots/air mattress/sleeping pads
• eating utensils
• chair for the camp fire
• hammocks or car camping are welcome
• rain gear

Meals: Bring your lunch for both days. Everyone is asked to bring food to share for potluck style meals for dinner and breakfast. We will have cooler(s) and ice for items that need to be refrigerated and a camp stove for anything that needs to be cooked/heated up. 

Pre-trip Zoom meeting: Tuesday, September 30, 8:00PM. Go over the trip plan and meals and answer any questions.

Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83156993976?pwd=vB9bMTK2nLAjWtpkuoQsDo1SKbEPSy.1

Call into the meeting: (301)715-8592

To Go On This Trip: Click "REGISTER" and complete the Registration Information.Participants must be American Canoe Association (ACA) members and complete an online waiver.  Uncertain if you have a waiver?  Log into the ACA Website, click “My Profile” and “Date Annual Waiver Expires”.  If it is expired or has never been done click here to complete a waiver.  Non-members are encouraged to join and complete the waiver before the trip.  The $40 membership provides insurance for club events for the next year.  The day of the trip ACA members without an annual waiver (bring your membership number) and non-members (pay $10 cash for the event membership) can complete a paper waiver.

Requirements: 

• Transportation of your boat and gear to the trip location.

• Wear a PFD while on the water and you should have a whistle.

• Wear a bathing suit quick drying clothes suitable for getting wet.  If the weather is cool dress in layers and have a set of dry clothes with you in the boat.

• Protect your toes, wear water or close-toed shoes.

Suggestions (for your comfort)on the water:

• Bring water to drink and lunch.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof container for your personal belongings/extra clothes.
  Have a secure place to carry your car keys.
• Have a set of dry clothes in your car if you want to change for the ride home.

Trip Updates: Will be sent via email up to the day before the trip. 

Questions: contact the Trip Coordinator: Bill Sanders at bill1274@verizon.net.

TRIP PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES.pdf